From the war-torn streets of Monrovia to boardrooms in New York and global corporate empires, Richelieu Dennis has carved out an extraordinary legacy as Liberia’s wealthiest man, with a personal fortune estimated at $350 million.
The Liberian-born entrepreneur is widely recognized not only as the richest Liberian but also as a leading figure in African diaspora entrepreneurship. His rise to prominence began in the early 1990s when, after graduating from Babson College in the U.S., he was unable to return home due to the Liberian civil war. With resilience and vision, Dennis teamed up with his college roommate and the roommate’s mother to create Sundial Brands, a company focused on culturally authentic, natural hair and skincare products for underserved communities.
Sundial Brands, which includes household names like SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage, and Madam C.J. Walker Beauty, quickly grew into one of the most successful Black-owned businesses in the U.S. The products resonated deeply with consumers of African descent and gained widespread traction globally.
In 2017, Dennis made international headlines when Unilever acquired Sundial in a deal reportedly worth $1.6 billion. Though some outlets cite the sale date as 2018, what remains undisputed is the monumental impact of the deal. Forbes and other business publications reported that the transaction resulted in a combined net worth of approximately $850 million for Dennis and his mother.
Rather than retreating from the spotlight after the sale, Dennis used his newfound influence to launch the New Voices Fund, a $50 million investment vehicle backed by Unilever with a mission to empower women of color entrepreneurs. The fund, which aimed to scale up to $100 million, addressed longstanding disparities in funding access for minority-owned businesses.
Dennis further cemented his role as a cultural and economic force by acquiring Essence magazine, the iconic media outlet celebrating Black women, ensuring it returned to full Black ownership.
Today, with his estimated $350 million net worth, Richelieu Dennis stands as a symbol of what Liberian excellence can achieve on the global stage. He remains a source of pride for Liberians everywhere, particularly as the country seeks to rebuild its economy and inspire its next generation of changemakers.
From Monrovia to Manhattan, Dennis’ journey is a powerful reminder that even from crisis, greatness can emerge, and redefine entire industries along the way.
